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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- The American Dental Association (ADA) has
updated its best management practices for the
disposal of dental amalgam waste to include the
use of separators, collection devices installed
in dental office plumbing to capture and remove
at least 95 percent of solid waste particles
before they enter the sewer system. The use of
separators will allow greater recycling and
reduce the amount of amalgam, which contains
mercury, entering wastewater treatment plants.
"Dentists across the country have
enthusiastically embraced ADAbest management
practices since we introduced them in 2003,
which clearly demonstrates that voluntary
programs work," said ADA President Mark J.
Feldman, DMD. "Since then, we have gained a lot
of experience with separator technology, and
even assisted the ISO (an international
standard-setting organization) in developing
standards for the devices. We have learned that
the systems work well, and we now feel
comfortable including them in our best
management practice recommendations."
Dental amalgam is a silver-colored alloy made
from mercury, silver, copper and tin that
dentists have used for generations to fill
decayed teeth. Once the most commonly used
filling material, it has been surpassed in
popularity by tooth-colored composites. It
nevertheless remains a safe and valued treatment
option for some patients, particularly those
needing large fillings in back teeth or who have
special needs.
Dental offices using ADAbest management
practices already capture about 80 percent of
waste amalgam. Adding separators to that regimen
would increase the amount of captured amalgam to
at least 95 percent. The additional amalgam
captured by the separator would otherwise have
been captured downstream by the municipal
wastewater treatment plant. However, treatment
plant waste is often incinerated; amalgam
captured by separators can be recycled.
"Like most people, dentists are committed to
protecting the environment," said ADA Executive
Director Jim Bramson, DDS. "By adding separators
to their best management practices, dentists
have much greater control in their efforts to
ensure a healthier environment for everyone."
The ADA just concluded its 148th Annual Session
here.
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest
dental association, representing more than
155,000 dentist members. The premier source of
oral health information, the ADA has advocated
for the public's health and promoted the art and
science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and
test dental products and materials that have
advanced the practice of dentistry and made the
patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal
of Acceptance long has been a valuable and
respected guide to consumer and professional
products. For more information about the ADA,
visit the Association's Web site at
http://www.ada.org/.
American Dental Association
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